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Monthly Archives: December 2016

Today’s trendsetters aren’t the first to rock their looks, since contemporary style represents an evolution of fashion that was originally worn by previous style icons ranging from socialites, models and artists. These influencers are remembered for their deliberate-yet-effortless style and lasting influence. These icons have provided current designers, artists, bloggers, and trendsetters with an endless source of inspiration.

Long before Kate Moss, there was the original IT girl, Edie Sedgwick. She certainly
defined what it meant to have that good-girl-gone-bad aesthetic. She was known for her style, beauty, warmth and even troubled personal life. The essential ingredients behind her distinct style included her trademark eyeliner, mini mod dresses with sheer black tights, platinum blonde pixie haircut and chandelier earrings. She was the leading starlet as Andy Warhol’s Youthquake muse, undeniably an icon in the 60s for her sharp, eccentric style.

For years, there was an era of voluptuous models until Jean Shrimpton came into the picture. As the face of “Swinging London” and its new mod scene, she brought the fashion world to a halt. This leggy British brunette broke the mold of modeling with her slender frame and understated style. Credited for popularizing the mini skirt in the 1960s, she paved the way for subdued colors and minimal design in fashion. On the opposite side of the spectrum was Diana Ross. Ross was unapologetically herself with her bold, embellished looks and her sultry silhouettes and plunging necklines. She certainly had no problem taking risks. She broke the mold for many African-American women to embrace their natural hair. In a way, she started to diminish any gender boarders through her unashamed wardrobe of men’s suits. Jean Shrimpton and Diana Ross may not have had the same taste in fashion, but one thing was for certain: they were never afraid to break through the old standards of fashion and keep us moving forward.
No icon list would be complete without one of the greatest beauty and fashion muses to ever exist: Twiggy. She rose to fame with her thick eyelashes, mini skirts, shift dresses, and like Edie Sedgwick, a boyish pixie haircut. Instantly recognizable, she became the face of a decade over night with her doll-like style that has continued to make waves in fashion. She introduced an entirely fresh new look to the fashion industry and has
continued a lasting appeal with her iconic style.

It is safe to say that the 1960s was one of the dominating decades for the fashion world. Each of these icons has contributed their own signature style as an infinite source of inspiration that you too can incorporate into your own wardrobe. Maybe it’s time to try out one of those mini mod dresses with a pair of black tights. Or perhaps you’re ready to try a pixie hairdo and in need of some eyeliner to spice up your look. Just remember, behind every beauty trick and style trend that comes your way, there was a style icon that rocked it first.

Oh 2016, what a year. We’ve lost and gained so much in this time. From the death of icon David Bowie at the start of it to Donald Trump being named President-elect at the end, we’ve experienced a reboot of civil rights protests and other cultural phenomenon 21st century style. 2016 has left quite a colorful impression on this world, As we move forward, in our lives and in our trends, it may seem that we are moving into a time warp. The next few years will mirror a time when culture expanded, and change was the only constant; the 60s. Life was as vivid as the psychedelic colors they wore.

In 2019, old will become new again and we will see a resurgence of retro colors. Inspired by the style of London’s Mods, there will be yellows, oranges, reds, and pinks. There will even be hints of green, purple, brown, blue, and grey as complements or accents. Edie Sedgwick was an heiress and member of Andy Warhol’s Factory that effortlessly charmed musicians and other Superstars with her colorful outfits in the 60s. Alongside her good friend, Andy Warhol, they gave us a wonderful gift of art through fashion and her movies.

Another cool chic from the swinging 60s is Jean Shrimpton. Considered one of the first supermodels, she was the embodiment of the Mod look of London. Our diverse color palette, will come in a less saturated tone or hue to capture that minimalism we adore so much. Similar to Jean Shrimpton, simplicity is key to stellar outfits and so many of these jewel tones will be paired with neutrals as well to create balance. Where you might see a Peacock Green trouser, there will be a Misty Mauve sweater somewhere near.

We’ve got time for one last 60s flashback icon: Twiggy. With her thick lashes and boyish cut, she represents the 60s in London. She was often seen in yellows and pinks with her intriguing shift dressed and flats. Working closely with Mary Quant, they launched “The Chelsea Look”, which had almost every girl of that decade rocking The Mini. Twiggy was another icon that revered simplicity alongside such vivid colors to produce a whimsical and fashionable look.

If you ever think the world is a crazy place, just remember we’ve been through this all before: the 60s was a time of chaos and confusion, but it led to some of the most forward-thinking fashion the world has ever seen, and those looks are as relevant today as they were then. How can you incorporated the signature styles of our three icons? Easy. Channel your inner Jean Shrimpton with a mustard a line skirt, paired with a black and white striped sweater. If you’re going for a Twiggy look, try a pink shift dress along with pointed leopard flats. Draw yourself a serious cat eye, and grab a funky accessory such as a green herringbone clutch to top it all off. So move those all black outfits to the side and color yourself crazy, you just might be the next icon.

Is there one place where you truly fit in, where you can dress and act how you want without anyone passing judgment? Many people today join their own style tribes to express how they feel in an outwardly fashion. Style tribes wear clothing and body adornment to express their values and beliefs in a different way from popular culture. Their style choices are a way to stand out from the crowd, identify one another and rebel against mainstream society.

The Goth subculture started as a revolution in Britain against the economic downturn of the 1970s. The group was inspired by Gothic literature and a need to rise against dominant society. Goths are like the angsty teenagers of the world, boldly displaying their dank attitude with black clothing, leather products, and silver chain accessories. Many wear distressed t-shirts and black combat boots in resistance of the cookie-cutter way of life.

An offshoot of the Goth movement is the Gothic Lolita subculture, which started in Japan. The Lolita lifestyle highlights values of femininity and modesty by wearing Victorian-inspired clothing such as ruffled petticoats and lace. Popularity of this subculture rose due to a disagreement with the male-dominated world and women dressed in an overly feminine way to assert their own power. Gothic Lolitas combined the feminine dress of Lolita with the unconventional clothing of the gothic style. This style tribe poses the question “why not be defiant and feminine at the same time”?

Punk also first emerged as a rebellion in 1970s London, but this time the group was a backlash against the hippie culture. British youth identified with urban street culture that dressed outside the box of mainstream fashion. The look consisted of dark, tight jeans and body decorations such as tattoos and piercings. All members usually held a little bit of hate, anger, and sweat to go along with their fashion. The style tribe developed into the distressed punks we know today with ripped jeans, mohawks, and faded The idea of futuristic punk morphed into the tribe of Steampunk, which displays values and beliefs in a dystopian society. Steampunk clothing is usually handmade (also known as “DIY” for do-it-yourself) by the wearer. The clothing is designed to show the invention, creativity, and gadgetry of daily life. This tribe keeps the messiness and attitude of punk rebellion, but adds an element of creativity and futuristic ideology with tailored jackets, motorcycle gloves, and goggles.

Rebellion comes in many forms, and today’s fashion incorporates many of these tribes’ signature styles, such as leather goods, dark makeup, and black lace and boots. We all have a rebellious streak and by putting on some black lipstick or wearing that ripped tee, we are just showing off our carefree attitude to the world. So next time you get ready for a night on the town, or even a trip to the store, be bold and defy social norms by adding a little bit of nonconformity into your outfit.